Imagine the convenience of Auckland City a few minutes away while you relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle at a gorgeous lodge where your hosts aspire to take care of your every need. After one of the best night's sleep you will ever have, fancy starting your day with a delicious cooked breakfast that you can enjoy on your balcony looking out over Manly Beach?

Troy Clarry has earned his stripes and more in the international world of hospitality over the last twenty plus years. He knows a thing or two about luxury from his role of General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton managed Bulgari Hotels and Resorts Tokyo Restaurants in Japan. After many years overseas Troy and his wife Tomoko wanting to take charge of the destiny of their young family decided to move back to New Zealand. The draw card was about being able to spend more time together as a family and being free to create and implement their own ideas – the latter is reflected in the on-going development and evolution of the rooms and breakfast products, always taking into account guest feedback and current market trends both local and international. Much pride is taken in the creation of the breakfast menu that has been developed from 20 years' experience in hotel restaurants (four of which were awarded the coveted Michelin Star). Combining this knowledge with a local touch sees menu items as simple as "porridge made the way Mum makes it" topped with Golden Syrup, two eggs scrambled with smoked salmon and white truffle oil and the Kiwi favourite of eggs benedict – the Hollandaise, of course, made a la minute per order.

Troy says their priority at Whangaparaoa Lodge is guest satisfaction, and the financial rewards of hard work only come after a guest leaves feeling satisfied. He loves his job and getting to experience a multitude of guests, their cultures and their likes and dislikes. Although the job can be demanding, he is adamant that if you have to do something then you may as well do it right. There is no simply "going through the motions" - genuine pride is taken in raising the bar every day in meeting and exceeding guests' expectations in accordance with the philosophy of redefining casual luxury for the guests.

Troy says, "I really believe luxury is having everything you want (and more) while creating feelings and memories that last a life time. Luxury accommodation is providing consistently and at the highest quality the means for the guest to be able to achieve this". He likes to find out why a guest is staying, so he can then tailor the experience for them. Does luxury need to be expensive? Troy thinks it does to some extent, or you would have it all the time, and it would not be "luxury" anymore, but expensive is also "relative".

"In our business and location we have a varying clientele, so it is important for us to sense the guests' needs, find out the reason for their stay and adjust the service for each guest".
Making people feel special, but making this available for many people at varying price points; that is what Troy means by “casual luxury”. "We make people feel special no matter who they are, where they are from, what they are paying or the purpose of their visit". On arrival each guest is escorted to their room – a gesture which comes naturally to Troy as he appreciates that they have chosen to stay at the Lodge and feels that the least he can do is accustom them to the facilities, the local area and anything else they might need during their stay.

Many of the Lodge's happiest guests are the regulars. Troy and Tomoko enjoy making them feel welcome; setting the room as the guest likes, bringing their favourite beverage and chocolate on arrival and even using the same aroma pillow the guest selected on their first visit. It is the little touches that make people feel special – making the room they like available, setting the alarm clock on their preferred side of the bed and having their favourite Kohu Road ice cream in the freezer. For Troy, it is all about making guests feel special from the moment they arrive until wishing them a fond farewell at their departure.

The rooms are immaculately presented and comfortable with various options regarding size, balconies and amenities to suit every guest. Enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast on your balcony while looking out over the harbour. The lodge is the perfect jumping off point for exploration of Auckland – the city itself is within easy reach via ferry or car. Wonderful day-trips to scenic locales such as Omaha Beach, Matakana, and the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail are highly recommended by Troy & Tomoko, and they can help guide you in making your holiday plans. Don't be surprised if one of the team offer to take you sight-seeing!

All rooms are complete with a kitchenette reflecting the international trend for accommodation to be comfortable and like "being at home". Guests enjoy having the option of cooking and dining in if they wish. There is a wonderful local butcher and fruit and vegetable shop in the Manly Village, and you can collect your own fresh cockles from Shakespear Park and create your own "fresh as can be" local cuisine.

If you are off to Auckland for business or pleasure and are looking for accommodation offering something truly special book yourself in at Whangaparaoa Lodge. It is an easy drive from Auckland airport and has stunning views over the harbour. Convenient, quiet and restful the Lodge is the perfect balance between the anonymity of a large hotel and the personability of a Bed & Breakfast. Head to Whangaparaoa Lodge to have your own tailored experience of casual luxury in the capable hands of Troy and Tomoko, who are looking forward to making your stay a very special one.

Whangaparaoa Lodge also caters for small corporate meeting retreats up to 10 guests, fully catered and accommodated in a small meeting room and lounge

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Located across from Little Manly Beach in Whangaparaoa, Auckland offers a variety of large, modern designed studios and one bedroom suites all with King/Super King beds, flat-screen TV's, kitchenettes, unlimited WiFi internet and free parking.